How to Get Your AWS Certification and Training

In today’s fast paced technological landscape, cloud computing has become a cornerstone of modern business operations. Amazon Web Services (AWS), a leading cloud service provider, offers a suite of certifications that validate your expertise and skills in various cloud domains. Obtaining an AWS certification not only enhances your professional credibility but also opens up a plethora of career opportunities, from roles in cloud architecture to specialized positions in security and machine learning.

This article aims to guide you through the process of acquiring AWS certification and training. Whether you are a beginner seeking foundational knowledge or an experienced professional looking to validate your skills, we will provide you with a comprehensive roadmap. We will cover everything from understanding the different types of AWS certifications, to choosing the right training resources, and preparing for the certification exams.

AWS has revolutionized how organizations deploy and manage their IT infrastructure. With a robust set of services and tools, AWS enables businesses to scale, innovate, and optimize their operations efficiently. As the demand for cloud professionals continues to grow, achieving AWS certification can significantly boost your career prospects and earning potential.

Join us on this journey to discover how you can successfully obtain your AWS certification and leverage it to advance your career in the ever evolving field of cloud computing.

What is AWS Certification?

AWS Certification is a credential that validates your expertise and knowledge in using Amazon Web Services. AWS offers a range of certifications designed to demonstrate your proficiency in various roles and skill levels, from foundational to specialty domains. Each certification is achieved by passing a comprehensive exam that tests your understanding and practical skills in specific areas of AWS technology and best practices.

Benefits of AWS Certification

1. Career Advancement Opportunities

• Increased Job Prospects: AWScertified professionals are highly sought after by employers worldwide, making it easier to land job interviews and secure positions.
• Career Growth: Certification can lead to promotions, leadership roles, and opportunities to work on more complex and rewarding projects.

2. Increased Earning Potential

• Higher Salaries: Certified AWS professionals typically earn higher salaries compared to their noncertified counterparts, reflecting the value and expertise they bring to organizations.
• Bonuses and Incentives: Many companies offer bonuses or other financial incentives to employees achieve AWS certification.

3. Validation of Skills and Knowledge

• Industry Recognition: Certification serves as a formal recognition of your skills and expertise, enhancing your professional credibility.
• Confidence Boost: Achieving certification builds confidence in your ability to work with AWS technologies and tackle challenging projects.

Types of AWS Certifications

AWS offers certifications at four levels: Foundational, Associate, Professional, and Specialty. Each level caters to different experience levels and career paths.

1. Foundational Level: AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

• Ideal for individuals seeking a general understanding of the AWS Cloud.
• Covers basic cloud concepts, AWS services, security, architecture, pricing, and support.

2. Associate Level: AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

• Geared towards software developers.
• Emphasizes developing and maintaining AWSbased applications, with a focus on AWS services, SDKs, and best practices.

i. AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate:

• Designed for system administrators.
• Covers deployment, management, and operation of AWS environments, including monitoring, automation, and security.

3. Professional Level: AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional:

• Advanced certification for experienced solutions architects.
• Requires expertise in complex AWS applications, including hybrid architecture and enterprisescale solutions.

i. AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – Professional:

• Targeted at individuals with experience in provisioning, operating, and managing distributed application systems.
• Focuses on continuous delivery (CD) and automation of processes.

4. Specialty Certifications: AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty:

• Indepth knowledge of AWS networking.
• Covers complex networking tasks and hybrid IT network architecture.

5. AWS Certified Big Data – Specialty

• Focuses on designing and implementing AWS services to derive value from data.
• Requires understanding of data analytics, data processing, and visualization

i. AWS Certified Big Data – Specialty

• Focuses on designing and implementing AWS services to derive value from data.
• Requires understanding of data analytics, data processing, and visualization

II. AWS Certified Security – Specialty

• Advanced knowledge of securing AWS workloads.
• Emphasizes data protection, encryption, and compliance.

Understanding these certifications and their respective focus areas is crucial for planning your certification journey. Selecting the right certification depends on your current skills, job role, and career aspirations.

How to Prepare  for AWS Certification

1. Assess Your Current Skill Level

• Self-evaluation: Take an honest inventory of your current knowledge and experience with AWS services. Consider your familiarity with cloud concepts, AWS tools, and relevant technologies.
• Job Role Alignment: Identify which certification aligns best with your current or desired job role. For example, if you are a developer, the AWS Certified Developer – Associate might be a good starting point.

2. Career Goals

• Short-term Goals: Determine which certification will help you achieve immediate career objectives, such as securing a promotion or transitioning to a new role.
• Long-term Goals: Plan for advanced certifications that align with your long-term career aspirations. For instance, aiming for a professional level certification can position you for leadership roles.

3. Review Certification Prerequisites:

• Certification Requirements: Each AWS certification has recommended knowledge and experience prerequisites. Ensure you meet these before attempting the exam.
• Exam Content Outline: Review the official exam guide for the certification you are interested in. This guide outlines the domains and topics covered in the exam, helping you understand what to focus on during your preparation.

Study Materials and Resources

1. AWS Training Courses

• AWS Training and Certification Website: AWS offers a variety of training courses, both instructor led and selfpaced, covering all certification levels. These courses provide in depth knowledge and hands on experience with AWS services.
• AWS Academy: Many educational institutions partner with AWS to offer courses that prepare students for certification exams.

2. Official AWS Documentation and Whitepapers

• AWS Documentation: The AWS website provides comprehensive documentation for all AWS services. This is a valuable resource for understanding service features, best practices, and use cases.
• AWS Whitepapers: AWS whitepapers offer insights into architectural best practices, security, and optimization strategies. They are particularly useful for professional level and specialty certifications.

3. Online Learning Platforms

• Coursera: Offers AWS certification courses created in partnership with AWS experts. These courses often include hands on labs and projects.
• Udemy: Provides a wide range of AWS certification courses at different price points, many of which are highly rated by learners.
• A Cloud Guru: Specializes in cloud computing training, offering courses tailored specifically for AWS certification exams. They include video lectures, quizzes, and practice exams.

4. Books and Study Guides

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect Official Study Guide: Provides comprehensive coverage of exam objectives, with practical examples and practice questions.
• AWS Certified Developer Official Study Guide: Focuses on the topics covered in the AWS Certified Developer – Associate exam, with practical exercises and review questions.
• AWS Certified SysOps Administrator Official Study Guide: Helps you prepare for the SysOps Administrator exam with detailed explanations and practice questions.

5. Practice Exams and Labs

• AWS Practice Exams: Available on the AWS Training and Certification website, these simulate the actual exam experience and help you gauge your readiness.
• Handson Labs: Platforms like AWS Skill Builder and Qwiklabs offer handson labs that allow you to practice using AWS services in a controlled environment.

Training Options for AWS Certification

1. AWS Training and Certification Programs

• Instructor Led Training: AWS offers in person and virtual instructor led training sessions. These are conducted by AWScertified trainers and provide interactive learning experiences.
• On Demand Digital Training: AWS provides a library of digital training courses that you can access at your own pace. These cover a wide range of topics and certification levels.

2. Third-party Training Providers

• Overview of Popular Providers: Third-party providers such as Simplilearn, LinkedIn Learning, and Plural sight offer AWS certification courses. These courses vary in depth, format, and cost.
• Comparison of Costs and Features: Evaluate the costs, course content, and additional features (such as practice exams and community support) to choose the provider that best fits your learning style and budget.

3. Self-study Tips

• Creating a Study Schedule: Develop a study plan that outlines your study sessions, breaks, and review periods. Consistency and regularity are key to effective preparation.
• Joining Study Groups and Online Communities: Engage with peers through study groups and online forums (such as the AWS Certified community on LinkedIn or Reddit). These communities provide support, share resources, and offer insights from individuals who have already taken the exams.
• Utilizing AWS Free Tier for Hands-on Practice: Take advantage of AWS’s free tier to gain hands-on experience with AWS services. Practical experience is crucial for understanding how to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.

Preparing for AWS certification requires a strategic approach, combining theoretical study with practical experience. By leveraging the right resources and training options, you can build a strong foundation and increase your chances of success in achieving AWS certification.

Taking the AWS Certification Exam

1. Registration Process

• Sign Up: Visit the AWS Training and Certification website and create an account. This account will allow you to register for exams, access your certification history, and download digital badges.
• Profile Setup: Complete your profile with accurate personal and contact information.
• Select Certification Level: Navigate to the certification you wish to pursue, such as the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate or AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner.
• Exam Options: Choose between taking the exam at a testing center or online proctored exams. Online proctoring allows you to take the exam from the comfort of your home or office.
• Select Date and Time: Use the AWS Certification portal to find available exam dates and times that fit your schedule.
• Payment: Pay the exam fee using a credit card or other accepted payment methods. Exam fees vary by certification level and region.
• Confirmation Email: After registration, you will receive a confirmation email with details about your exam appointment, including date, time, and instructions for the exam day.
• Rescheduling or Cancelling: If needed, you can reschedule or cancel your exam through the certification portal, adhering to the policies outlined by AWS.

2. Exam Day Tips

• Quiet Space: Ensure you have a quiet, distraction free environment if taking the exam online. Testing centers provide controlled environments but may have different protocols.
• Technical Requirements: For online exams, verify that your computer meets the technical requirements, including a stable internet connection, webcam, and microphone.
• Valid ID: Have a valid, government issued photo ID ready for verification. The name on your ID must match the name used during registration.
• Proctor Instructions: Follow the instructions provided by the exam proctor for online exams. This may include showing your testing environment and ensuring no unauthorized materials are present.
• Pace Yourself: Be aware of the total exam time and pace yourself accordingly. AWS exams typically range from 90 to 180 minutes, depending on the certification level.
• Question Review: Use the flagging feature to mark questions you are unsure about and return to them later if time permits.
• Relaxation Techniques: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or visualization to stay calm during the exam.
• Read Carefully: Read each question thoroughly before selecting an answer. Pay attention to keywords and phrases that may influence the correct response.

3. Post Exam Steps

• Immediate Feedback: For most exams, you will receive a preliminary pass/fail result immediately after completing the test.
• Detailed Score Report: Within a few days, you will receive a detailed score report via email, outlining your performance in each domain of the exam.
• Retake Rules: If you do not pass the exam, you can retake it after 14 days. There is no limit to the number of attempts, but each retake requires paying the exam fee.
• Preparation for Retake: Analyze your score report to identify weak areas and focus your study efforts on those topics before retaking the exam.
• Digital Badge: Upon passing the exam, you will receive a digital badge that you can share on social media platforms, your resume, and professional profiles.
• Certificate and Logo: AWS provides a certificate of achievement and a certification logo that you can use to signify your accomplishment.
• Continuing Education: Keep your knowledge up to date by exploring new AWS services, features, and best practices.
• Advanced Certifications: Consider pursuing advanced or specialty AWS certifications to further enhance your skills and career prospects.

By carefully preparing for the exam day and understanding the post exam procedures, you can navigate the certification process smoothly and achieve your AWS certification goals.

Conclusion

Achieving an AWS certification is a significant milestone in your professional journey. It represents a commitment to mastering cloud technologies and staying abreast of industry advancements. The journey to certification may seem daunting, but the rewards, both personal and professional, are well worth the effort.

AWS certification is not just a credential, it’s a gateway to numerous opportunities and a testament to your dedication to professional growth. Embark on your AWS certification journey today and unlock the potential to advance your career, enhance your skills, and make a significant impact in the world of cloud computing.